Population Pressures in Bali

The Bali Post reports that Bali is becoming increasingly over-populated. While experts estimate the ideal carrying capacity for Bali's 562,286 hectares of land area is 2.4 million, a number far below the more than 3 million people who now make their home on the Island.

The Regional Planning Board for Bali (BAPPEDA), Drs. Made Adijaya revealed that the current average of 600 people per square kilometer in Bali is 50% more than the ideal number of 400 residents per square kilometer. In municipal areas, such as Bali's capital of Denpasar, population loads are estimated to equal a very crowded 800 people per square kilometer.

In reaction to this data, the Chairman of Committee I of the Regional House of Representatives in Bali (DPRD-BALI), Made Arjaya, said now is the time to limit migration into Bali, prohibiting Indonesian nationals who do not hold an official Bali identity card from staying or seeking employment on the Island. Arjaya also called on Bali land and long-term rental accommodation owners to gather complete personal details and proof of Bali residency before leasing their lands and buildings to newcomers.